The Parkway Central Children’s Department is excited to announce a series of outdoor author visits for Summer of Wonder 2021!

Please join us in kicking off this summer's festivities with Readers and Dreamers, featuring local author Stephany Coakley, on Wednesday, June 16, at 4:00 p.m. in Shakespeare Park.

Stephany Coakley is a life-long learner. She was born in the Bahamas and now lives in Philadelphia. She wants to inspire the young, and the young at heart—to dream BIG—and take steps to make their dreams a reality. When writing Tye the Dreamer, she also wanted to celebrate the nurturing qualities of fathers, and the special relationships between fathers and their daughters. Stephany has worked with young people for most of her career. She is currently the Senior Associate Athletic Director for Mental Health, Wellness, and Performance at Temple University. However, when this book was written she worked with children and adolescents who rarely dreamed about their futures because of their circumstances. Inspiring and empowering others to dream and envision success energizes her.

At the event on June 9, Coakley will read her picture book, followed by Q&A with attendees! This event is geared toward school-age children, but the whole family is welcome. Attendees will receive free Summer of Wonder prizes and giveaways, and will have an opportunity to purchase a signed copy of the Tye The Dreamer. Each child will be able to take home a free bookmark-making activity too!

Tye The Dreamer is a story about a daddy’s girl who has a big heart and bigger dreams. She loves her cat, her friends, and her community. Tye lives with her father, who loves and supports her dreams unconditionally. One day he gives her a gift, and they couldn’t predict how the gift would influence her ambition. She learns that knowing what she wants and believing in herself are the cornerstones to joy. The book is dedicated to all those who dare to strive, fail, and persist in order to make their dreams a reality!

Shakespeare Park is located directly across the street from the Parkway Central Library, 1901 Vine Street. Children over age 2 and adults must wear masks to this event in continued accordance with our COVID-19 guidelines.

Look for more upcoming outdoor events from the Parkway Central Children’s Department, including storytimes every Monday-Thursday during the summer, and two more special author visits. In July, we will welcome author/illustrator Sarah Jacoby for a celebration of Free Library Dog Day, and in August we will send off Summer of Wonder with a reading and activity from author Janay Anderson.

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